[As much as he'd hate to admit, Ciel looks relieved. Sebastian knows Weston and, thus, Sebastian knows him, and what had happened. Miasma and Sullivan and everything else be damned. Sebastian remembers Weston and that's all that matter for a brief moment.]
This is the one I received next. [As if that is the most obvious answer.] The Queen sent me a letter saying I was to host a guest. The guest, of course, was a recruiter for-- [He motions around them with a hand.] --this.
[ His expression isn't quite as serious as it first was, but there's still an edge to the look on Sebastian's face. Interesting. This is a development he can hardly ignore, and one that makes him bristle slightly, since the idea of Ciel being deceived into this contract bothers him a great deal. The conflict of the contracts was already something Sebastian had given though, but this... ]
That was likely fake, young master.
[ Which Ciel probably had suspicions about regardless, but he continues on smoothly. ]
From what I know, we solved the affair with the College, and the Queen sent her request for us to investigate unusual deaths in Germany. We were well along in our investigation when I received a letter myself, but the fact that it was addressed to me was enough to catch my attention. [ Since he's a servant—naturally he wouldn't receive mail at all. ]
[Ciel blanches quickly. He is less embarrassed than he should be about not realizing a fake and more mortified that the possibility is very clear and very real. Had the letter... really been...?]
Don't be... ridiculous.... [He sounds like he's trying to convince himself more than Sebastian.] I opened the seal. The Queen's seal. It was her handwriting.... [Suddenly, everything sketchy about the CDC comes crashing down on top of him like a wave, consuming him, choking him. They tricked him, made a fool of him, impersonated The Queen. Now what? Now where does he begin? Would he have failed? Ridiculed? He hadn't abandonned his post, but if he isn't there, would they think he had? What about Elizabeth? The other servants? Prince Soma and Agni?
He's shaking his head without realizing it, both at the situation and what Sebastian is saying.] Stop lying to me, Sebastian! [Out of nowhere and sharp, and his voice faintly echoes in the mechanical room. He already knows Sebastian isn't lying, wouldn't lie.]
[ Sebastian's expression stays serious, but as the color drains from Ciel's face, the quality of it shifts. Anyone that didn't know Sebastian would read the look upon his face as concern or care, but that's of course not what it actually is. Were the CDC any less clear on what they desire from their recruits, Sebastian would be furious at his newest employers for tricking Ciel into this, because this child's life was his, and trapping Ciel in a circumstance where the contract could never be completed... Well. A demon's temper was best not seen when it came to their meals.
As it was, though, this was... interesting. If nothing else, it was a matter he would have to investigate. ]
I do not tell lies, young master.
[ He states it coolly and simply, left without the usual wry edge such a statement would have. He reaches to the extra glass he had brought (in case Ciel wanted water), and with one sleight of hand, it's filled with milk, and otherwise, he reaches into the pocket of his jacket to pull out two small containers of honey that he had brought in case Ciel had demanded the oatmeal sweeter, which he's glad for now. Milk he can at least create rather reliably with his powers, since it's a rather neutral taste, but sweets he has more difficulty with, since they never exactly taste sweet to him. He continues on in conversation as if this hadn't happened, preparing the drink with barely a pause. ]
Forgery or not, we can hardly change what has been done at this point. I will investigate the matter more thoroughly.
[The milk and honey will only blanket everything for a little while. He is ill from lack of restful sleep, from being without good tea and good food and sweets. He has no comfortable pillow. He has no books. He has nothing at all from his manor except for Sebastian alone, and that is hardly enough to satiate him.
But he will take it regardless, the milk. A small reprieve in this time of turmoil. It lets him clear his head momentarily, dip into some normalcy that he can orient his thoughts with.
The murder is just a small hurdle. Each mission is just another slightly bigger hurdle. The most important thing for them took focus on, he knows, is the CDC. Figuring out how to get back without reprocussions. Figuring out how to get out of the contract without it backfiring.] Do it. Find out anything you can about the CDC, about anyone working closely with them, about their contracts. [His voice is hard and bitter, eyes focused solely on Sebastian's face. The ringed lines of the contract activate, glowing a brighter purple than that of his eye. This is something he's serious about.]
[ The drink is finished, so he hands it to Ciel just in time for the order. The mandate itself was expected, though he is mildly surprised that Ciel is going as far as to make it an order. It was in both of their interests for Sebastian to look into the matter, so he would have regardless, but... It matters little, ultimately.
Once his hands are free, he places a hand on his chest and bows, giving his usual response first and foremost. ]
Yes, my lord.
[ He takes it seriously, as he always does, because with the actual orders like this, it's a compulsion at the core of his being to do as he's asked. That is the power that Ciel had bought with his sacrifice, after all. He keeps his head bowed as he speaks up again. ]
It will take time to do so safely, since both of us are without usual protections that we may have had in investigations before... But I will do it.
Good. [The reasoning, for Ciel, is simple: No one makes him look foolish and gets away with it. (Except perhaps Elizabeth, but that's another story.)
Carefully, he takes the glass, feeling satisfied that it had actually been an order. It's not that he doubted Sebastian's resolve to find more information regarding what had happened, but he had been so suddenly consumed with anger that the desperation behind his desire fueled the words, pouring them right out of him. It means he's serious. The CDC have stepped on toes they might not have wanted to step on.
Being open with him about their intentions was one thing. Tricking him into hosting a recruiter to begin with by impersonating The Queen was another.
He takes a deep drag of the honeyed milk. It is, by far, one of the better things he has had while being here.] Make this from now on. [Even though you cheated with demony magic fingers.] The tea is disgusting. And don't bring me that oatmeal ever again. [Just to make Sebastian's life a little harder.
Another sip, then he puts the glass down. He removes the papers from the tray and then pushes the tray off his lap and away from himself, mildly disgusted. He climbs to his feet and stands, giving Sebastian an expectant look. Dress him, demon.]
[ Sebastian nods understandingly to the request for the milk as preferred to tea, but still, he can't help but make a quip as he glances at Ciel with a wry smile. ]
I thought you said you could not survive off milk and honey alone, young master.
[ He stands, since he understands what Ciel expects of him, and moves towards where clothes are stored. He starts to look for Ciel's. There's not exactly much here, so he hums thoughtfully before he asks: ]
That doesn't count when we are here! [It's less yelled and more spoken loudly in irritation, and his face crumples into something just as exasperated. Don't you point out his inconsistencies when they are in a completely new, different place!
But revenge comes sooner than he thought it would. After letting Sebastian scrounge around for some clothes, and failing to find the greatest of Victorian fashion here, a languid but wicked smirk turns the edge of his lips up.] No. [Only because he wants to make Sebastian's life miserable. It's entertaining to watch a demon that can do everything... well, be forced to do everything. It's about the only option Ciel has with the creature that's going to one day eat his soul.]
Fix them more appropriately. [He's going to be the only one on the entire ship with a fucked up hybrid of uniform and Victorian clothing.]
[ Sebastian answers smoothly, as if the request doesn't bother him at all, but really, it's irritating. When exactly is he supposed to do such a thing? Sebastian would never complain for his work, since he knows it would be met with Ciel's irritating personality, but still, he's pretty busy himself trying to make this situation to both of their benefit! Honestly...
He pulls out the basic uniform all the same, since he's planning to make it more suitable once it's actually on Ciel, though he'll be in for quite a surprise when he tries. Still. He starts to dress Ciel as always, even with the odd clothing. It at least has less bows for him to tie... ]
Have you been given any assignments I should be aware of, by the way?
[There is some great inner pleasure derived in testing Sebastian's limits, and making the demon busy when already busy is just one of them. He's curious to see how the uniform will turn out, in the end.
The next wave of great inner pleasure after that will be telling Sebastian it looks atrocious. This is the way their game is played.]
No. People are turning into idiots who don't know what they're doing. [At first, he watches Sebastian critically. He thinks about making a fuss because the clothes are going on him anyway, but he will just wait until Sebastian is finished getting everything on. Perfect. Perhaps he's also interested to see what Sebastian is up to.] There's too much hearsay and not enough evidence; I don't like it. No one can explain why those people died, no one can explain what the clicking is, no one can explain the damaged box.
Nothing is coming in from the top. [The Master Phantomhive in him is getting increasingly frustrated. He's use to being at the apex of giving orders next to those he receives from the Queen. He was use to managing a household by giving instruction to Sebastian who, in turn, gave instruction elsewhere and so on. That's how it should be.]
[ Sebastian works deftly as he dresses Ciel, because even with the unfamiliar clothing, it's their familiar routine. He listens as Ciel explains, nodding along understandingly, but it's only once Ciel is finished speaking that Sebastian responds. ]
Then that would imply that the top does not know either, or if they do... [ He shakes his head ] I doubt I need to remind you to tread carefully. More than you already do. Even if there is information to be found, be mindful of our rank, at least for now.
[ Everything is on by now, so Sebastian starts the process of buttoning everything up carefully, though there are less frills and ribbons, which he's thankful for. ]
Though you should at least be pleased by my own. They would have me act as nothing more than a beast, it would seem, since nearly everyone I have spoken to has been surprised by my manners when they hear what team I have been assigned to.
[Usually, Ciel pays no mind to the clothes that is put on him aside from whether or not they are presentable. Now, however, he turns his eyes down to look over the outfit that he's being wrapped in. Everything is strange. The feeling of the material is different. Nothing seems to have been starched, or steamed, or anything, yet there's no wrinkles. The fabric is entirely new--softer relatively, but new. The lack of bows and frills is decidedly eerie.
This is the beginning of the end of his life as he knows it. Has Sebastian already eaten his soul and taken him to hell? It feels like it.] There's more than a few people here who lack manners. [He sounds grumpy when he says it. He's thinking about Kouha, a Prince Soma re-incarnation; Zelos, the R Kelly of the ship; and Erin, a nominee for the Miss Butterfingers pageant.]
You're on Green. Soldiers, I'm assuming. They expect you to be mostly muscle and mostly an idiot. [Both are true, right. :)] Has anyone mentioned they read your file?
[ He knows exactly where Ciel is going with the comment about Green, so he doesn't even give him the leverage to say it, since he just moves on smoothly to the other, more important topic with little more than a nod. ]
One, but I suspect they were sent to speak with me out of investigating new arrivals for being suspect to the murders. He clearly read my file, though I did not get the impression that there was anything in particular about me that was more suspicious over others. It was a blanket investigation, though he was curious, which is to be expected.
[ Sebastian is all done with the clothes, so he then looks up towards Ciel's, though not at his eyes, before he reaches up to smooth Ciel's hair into place gently. It really would give the impression of a doting caretaker, if not for Sebastian being... himself. ]
Still, I have not been able to figure out just how prevalent reading others' files is. I operate on the assumption that they have read it, since pretending otherwise would be more of a disadvantage. At the very least, those who do know are more intrigued than anything. It does not carry a taboo, which is unsurprising, considering the variety of creatures on this ship. I am hardly the most extravagant.
[Immediately, Ciel's lips twist sourly. He knows there has to be more people who have read Sebastian's file, but one speaking up is one too many. He's not sure whether to be relieved by Sebastian's words on being less extravagant, or worried that there could be other things here just as dangerous--or more dangerous. What is more dangerous (minus alien cats) than a demon hungry for a soul?
Gently, he pulls his head away from the smoothing hand by turning it off to the side. To anyone else, it would be an ungrateful action from a spoiled brat. But it's not. It's unease. It's disgust. He knows Sebastian's pampering is nothing short of a chef slathering chicken with marinade. His eyes remained close so he doesn't have to look at Sebastian's face.]
Don't think that gives you leeway to act inappropriate. [Despite what he may tell Sebastian in the future about acting like a beast, right now, the etiquette still applies. Even here.] You're still Phantomhive's butler before anything else. [Even a demon.] Remember that.
[ He looks lightly surprised when Ciel pulls away, but it fades quickly into a softer smile that looks fond, though that's of course not reflective of what Sebastian's thinking. He can see the unease as clearly on Ciel's face and in his posture as if he hadn't tried to play it off, so of course, he takes no small amount of pleasure in that. When Ciel showed these softer points, after all, it was like dangling a steak in front of a starving wolf. But. He won't allow himself to daydream of the day their contract is complete just yet, so his hand falls away. ]
Of course. I would never forget it, young master.
[ Now he meets Ciel's eyes, and the fond smile grows, though there's a sharper, more dangerous edge, if only for a moment. ]
[ But before Ciel can say anything to that, Sebastian stands, since he's ready to perform his magical demon bullshit magic at this point. Usually, he would camouflage the process with a flourish, swirling cloth around Ciel to make the transition more seamless, if dramatic, but there's not such luxury here. He stares at the clothing all put together for only a moment before he waves his hand which is also symbolic of how this shit works, don't ask me, but. Nothing happens.
And Ciel's revenge for Sebastian's smartass comment comes even more quickly than he would anticipate, because Sebastian looks absolutely stricken, staring at his hand as if some kind of grave offense has occurred. Which, to him, it absolutely has. Luckily, he doesn't devolve into a stupid baby tantrum, but— ]
How? That is... That is not possible.
[ HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME, DEMON SEBASTIAN?? ]
[Maybe it's the tone or maybe it's the words, but Ciel's eyes snap open incredulously, and a sharp chill smooths down his spine. He's not afraid of dying. He has been on the verge of that too well to fear anymore. He has felt death's cold embrace. But he does fear something in death, and he would be lying if he said he did not fear Sebastian's ultimatum for him. In the end, he will be dead, and the only thing he would have left, his soul, won't even be his any longer.
Whatever he plans to say is lost in his throat as Sebastian pulls away. Oh God. It looks like Sebastian is going to be wiggling magic fingers, and the sourness that was already in Ciel's stomach doubles. Hocus pocus in moderation, you piece of shit. Look upon the face of the displeased as you--
He stares. Nothing happened. Nothing is happening. He doesn't understand why Sebastian just stopped in the middle of doing something.] Sebastian, why are-- [The look on the demon's face isn't normal. Sebastian is only ever shocked in dire situations, when it's something legitimate. But what would Ciel be if not getting irritated when he's worried.]
[ Sebastian is a patient creature, especially for a demon. In fact, his patience was enough that it could almost be considered a virtue, if not for every other terrible, distasteful part of his personality. However, there is one area where Sebastian definitely looses his cool, and that is when his power is questioned or hindered. Most of the time, it just meant that a Reaper got a particularly brutal beatdown from him, but this time, well. There's no one for him to take his anger out on.
But it's alarming to him that anyone but the person he held a real contract with could bind him, so he tests the limits of his abilities briefly, and that hand is engulfed in shadow before it turns to the black, carpaced hand that Ciel really hadn't seen since this hand held his own in the cage, when Sebastian used his true form to slaughter the cult as ordered. But it's only their briefly, since as Sebastian brings that hand to his mouth thoughtfully, it's gone again with no more than sharp, black wisps curling in the air until the evaporate. Sebastian's eyes still shine a deeper, richer red, and though his face is calm, the displeasure is clear enough in his eyes. ]
...It seems I underestimated our employers' abilities.
[The twisted memories that the encapsulated hand rouses gnaw right at the edges of Ciel's mind. He remembers seeing it from behind the icy bars of captivity, he remembers it reaching out to him, beckoning. For a moment, he thinks he might run if he could possibly get his legs to stop being stuck to the floor.
And then the hand is gone, and his anxiety spills away like a wave ebbing in the ocean.
Quickly, he sets his jaw, mouth a firm line. He doesn't look pleased by the revelation. Looking into Sebastian's eyes alone means that this is not something that is supposed to happen, not something expected in the slightest. How far does this limitation extend? What can Sebastian do and not do?
What does that mean for him, his master?] What does that mean? Are you saying that you don't have your powers?
Sebastian! [It's spoken smartly enough to get the demon to look at him in the eyes.] Did they take them? But the milk....
[ Ciel speaking his name sharply at least draws him out of the spiral of thoughts, all of which were particularly, well. Demonic. To put it nicely. His mouth is still set in a thin line, an uncharacteristic show of displeasure from Sebastian, but focusing on Ciel at least causes it to lessen, even if it's only to a small degree. ]
No. They did not take them, since I would have been aware of that immediately.
[ Sebastian's jaw sets as well, since the implication otherwise is one he finds particularly upsetting, but at the very least... The only person it truly effects is Ciel. It's better than alternatives. ]
It is as if part of the terms of our contract was that I could not create certain things. [ There's another pause, because Sebastian definitely doesn't like admitting his weaknesses at all, no matter how few or frivolous they are. ]
Damn them! [The words come suddenly and angrily, and he balls both of his hands into fists at his sides.
Sebastian isn't the only one pissed off. It's less that he gives a shit about Sebastian and more that he is angry the CDC--it had to be them--decided to mess with his demon which, in turn, messes with him. It's as if they snatched his toy out of his hand and cut its hair without permission, or changed its clothes, or popped its arm out.
Sebastian is not theirs to alter or restrain.] So exactly how useless are you? [It's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.] If you can't make certain things then just do it by hand like I said from the start or find another way! [He is trying to think up solutions on the fly, sue him.]
I don't retract my earlier order about the CDC. [Not that Sebastian needs to be reminded or ordered now especially.]
[ The "useless" gets Ciel a sharp look from Sebastian despite himself, since he's butthurt still upset about being bound further at all, but he says nothing. He breathes in sharply through his nose as if to calm himself, but just like that, the cool, easy smile returns. ]
Since I did not notice, I would assume it means only my capacity to create is limited. I will have to test my limits further to give you a proper answer, young master.
[ Which is as close to a "I don't know" as Sebastian will get, but he's really not certain. So far as he can tell, all of his abilities are intact, so it's a matter of pushing against an invisible ceiling. ]
...How useless, that they would leave food. That is a matter I hardly excel at.
[So Sebastian can't make anything, as far as they know. It's not... a super terrible loss, but it can become a potential problem in the future. Sometimes, the two of them just needed to bend some rules.
But so long as he was reassured later that Sebastian could do everything else....] I don't want to hear that talk coming out of my butler. [His eyes narrow, then he lifts them to Sebastian's face. Phantomhives strive to excel at everything, as do their butlers. His gaze conveys this. There will be no "I hardly excel," and no "I can't do it," and no "I'm terrible at this."]
Finish dressing me. [He means the eye-patch mostly, as that's the only thing left. The alterations will have to come later when Sebastian is able to do them by hand. He's just going to have to get use to wearing this weird ass shit.] We are going to go through today trying to find out as much information as we can about the murders. Staying alive in this place is the most important goal.
If you can learn anything else about the CDC, so be it.
[ Though the smile that he had put in place had been a facade more than genuine, Ciel's insistence and orders get it to bleed into something warmer, and he nods as he picks up the eyepatch. It's a pleasant reminder of what these annoyances were for in the first place, so he can take solace in that, if anything. "Hardly excelling" by Sebastian's standards was still leagues beyond what would be expected or possible, but it just meant there was an area to improve in. Perhaps he would read several books describing the taste of food...
Sebastian moves closer, murmuring a polite "excuse me" that's not actually necessary, but more politeness is always better with Ciel. The eyepatch is set in its proper place, and he ties the knot snugly, but comfortably, as always, then steps back with a bow for Ciel to appraise the work. ]
Then I will get to work. At the very least, my patrols put me in a good area for speaking with others. We can only hope that someone with useful information is not wary enough of the new recruits as to withhold it.
Edited (yeah no tits for ciel) 2014-12-17 21:51 (UTC)
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no subject
This is the one I received next. [As if that is the most obvious answer.] The Queen sent me a letter saying I was to host a guest. The guest, of course, was a recruiter for-- [He motions around them with a hand.] --this.
no subject
That was likely fake, young master.
[ Which Ciel probably had suspicions about regardless, but he continues on smoothly. ]
From what I know, we solved the affair with the College, and the Queen sent her request for us to investigate unusual deaths in Germany. We were well along in our investigation when I received a letter myself, but the fact that it was addressed to me was enough to catch my attention. [ Since he's a servant—naturally he wouldn't receive mail at all. ]
no subject
Don't be... ridiculous.... [He sounds like he's trying to convince himself more than Sebastian.] I opened the seal. The Queen's seal. It was her handwriting.... [Suddenly, everything sketchy about the CDC comes crashing down on top of him like a wave, consuming him, choking him. They tricked him, made a fool of him, impersonated The Queen. Now what? Now where does he begin? Would he have failed? Ridiculed? He hadn't abandonned his post, but if he isn't there, would they think he had? What about Elizabeth? The other servants? Prince Soma and Agni?
He's shaking his head without realizing it, both at the situation and what Sebastian is saying.] Stop lying to me, Sebastian! [Out of nowhere and sharp, and his voice faintly echoes in the mechanical room. He already knows Sebastian isn't lying, wouldn't lie.]
no subject
As it was, though, this was... interesting. If nothing else, it was a matter he would have to investigate. ]
I do not tell lies, young master.
[ He states it coolly and simply, left without the usual wry edge such a statement would have. He reaches to the extra glass he had brought (in case Ciel wanted water), and with one sleight of hand, it's filled with milk, and otherwise, he reaches into the pocket of his jacket to pull out two small containers of honey that he had brought in case Ciel had demanded the oatmeal sweeter, which he's glad for now. Milk he can at least create rather reliably with his powers, since it's a rather neutral taste, but sweets he has more difficulty with, since they never exactly taste sweet to him. He continues on in conversation as if this hadn't happened, preparing the drink with barely a pause. ]
Forgery or not, we can hardly change what has been done at this point. I will investigate the matter more thoroughly.
no subject
But he will take it regardless, the milk. A small reprieve in this time of turmoil. It lets him clear his head momentarily, dip into some normalcy that he can orient his thoughts with.
The murder is just a small hurdle. Each mission is just another slightly bigger hurdle. The most important thing for them took focus on, he knows, is the CDC. Figuring out how to get back without reprocussions. Figuring out how to get out of the contract without it backfiring.] Do it. Find out anything you can about the CDC, about anyone working closely with them, about their contracts. [His voice is hard and bitter, eyes focused solely on Sebastian's face. The ringed lines of the contract activate, glowing a brighter purple than that of his eye. This is something he's serious about.]
That's an order.
no subject
Once his hands are free, he places a hand on his chest and bows, giving his usual response first and foremost. ]
Yes, my lord.
[ He takes it seriously, as he always does, because with the actual orders like this, it's a compulsion at the core of his being to do as he's asked. That is the power that Ciel had bought with his sacrifice, after all. He keeps his head bowed as he speaks up again. ]
It will take time to do so safely, since both of us are without usual protections that we may have had in investigations before... But I will do it.
no subject
Carefully, he takes the glass, feeling satisfied that it had actually been an order. It's not that he doubted Sebastian's resolve to find more information regarding what had happened, but he had been so suddenly consumed with anger that the desperation behind his desire fueled the words, pouring them right out of him. It means he's serious. The CDC have stepped on toes they might not have wanted to step on.
Being open with him about their intentions was one thing. Tricking him into hosting a recruiter to begin with by impersonating The Queen was another.
He takes a deep drag of the honeyed milk. It is, by far, one of the better things he has had while being here.] Make this from now on. [Even though you cheated with demony magic fingers.] The tea is disgusting. And don't bring me that oatmeal ever again. [Just to make Sebastian's life a little harder.
Another sip, then he puts the glass down. He removes the papers from the tray and then pushes the tray off his lap and away from himself, mildly disgusted. He climbs to his feet and stands, giving Sebastian an expectant look. Dress him, demon.]
no subject
I thought you said you could not survive off milk and honey alone, young master.
[ He stands, since he understands what Ciel expects of him, and moves towards where clothes are stored. He starts to look for Ciel's. There's not exactly much here, so he hums thoughtfully before he asks: ]
The standard uniform or clothing to your taste?
no subject
But revenge comes sooner than he thought it would. After letting Sebastian scrounge around for some clothes, and failing to find the greatest of Victorian fashion here, a languid but wicked smirk turns the edge of his lips up.] No. [Only because he wants to make Sebastian's life miserable. It's entertaining to watch a demon that can do everything... well, be forced to do everything. It's about the only option Ciel has with the creature that's going to one day eat his soul.]
Fix them more appropriately. [He's going to be the only one on the entire ship with a fucked up hybrid of uniform and Victorian clothing.]
no subject
[ Sebastian answers smoothly, as if the request doesn't bother him at all, but really, it's irritating. When exactly is he supposed to do such a thing? Sebastian would never complain for his work, since he knows it would be met with Ciel's irritating personality, but still, he's pretty busy himself trying to make this situation to both of their benefit! Honestly...
He pulls out the basic uniform all the same, since he's planning to make it more suitable once it's actually on Ciel, though he'll be in for quite a surprise when he tries. Still. He starts to dress Ciel as always, even with the odd clothing. It at least has less bows for him to tie... ]
Have you been given any assignments I should be aware of, by the way?
no subject
The next wave of great inner pleasure after that will be telling Sebastian it looks atrocious. This is the way their game is played.]
No. People are turning into idiots who don't know what they're doing. [At first, he watches Sebastian critically. He thinks about making a fuss because the clothes are going on him anyway, but he will just wait until Sebastian is finished getting everything on. Perfect. Perhaps he's also interested to see what Sebastian is up to.] There's too much hearsay and not enough evidence; I don't like it. No one can explain why those people died, no one can explain what the clicking is, no one can explain the damaged box.
Nothing is coming in from the top. [The Master Phantomhive in him is getting increasingly frustrated. He's use to being at the apex of giving orders next to those he receives from the Queen. He was use to managing a household by giving instruction to Sebastian who, in turn, gave instruction elsewhere and so on. That's how it should be.]
no subject
Then that would imply that the top does not know either, or if they do... [ He shakes his head ] I doubt I need to remind you to tread carefully. More than you already do. Even if there is information to be found, be mindful of our rank, at least for now.
[ Everything is on by now, so Sebastian starts the process of buttoning everything up carefully, though there are less frills and ribbons, which he's thankful for. ]
Though you should at least be pleased by my own. They would have me act as nothing more than a beast, it would seem, since nearly everyone I have spoken to has been surprised by my manners when they hear what team I have been assigned to.
no subject
This is the beginning of the end of his life as he knows it. Has Sebastian already eaten his soul and taken him to hell? It feels like it.] There's more than a few people here who lack manners. [He sounds grumpy when he says it. He's thinking about Kouha, a Prince Soma re-incarnation; Zelos, the R Kelly of the ship; and Erin, a nominee for the Miss Butterfingers pageant.]
You're on Green. Soldiers, I'm assuming. They expect you to be mostly muscle and mostly an idiot. [Both are true, right. :)] Has anyone mentioned they read your file?
no subject
One, but I suspect they were sent to speak with me out of investigating new arrivals for being suspect to the murders. He clearly read my file, though I did not get the impression that there was anything in particular about me that was more suspicious over others. It was a blanket investigation, though he was curious, which is to be expected.
[ Sebastian is all done with the clothes, so he then looks up towards Ciel's, though not at his eyes, before he reaches up to smooth Ciel's hair into place gently. It really would give the impression of a doting caretaker, if not for Sebastian being... himself. ]
Still, I have not been able to figure out just how prevalent reading others' files is. I operate on the assumption that they have read it, since pretending otherwise would be more of a disadvantage. At the very least, those who do know are more intrigued than anything. It does not carry a taboo, which is unsurprising, considering the variety of creatures on this ship. I am hardly the most extravagant.
no subject
Gently, he pulls his head away from the smoothing hand by turning it off to the side. To anyone else, it would be an ungrateful action from a spoiled brat. But it's not. It's unease. It's disgust. He knows Sebastian's pampering is nothing short of a chef slathering chicken with marinade. His eyes remained close so he doesn't have to look at Sebastian's face.]
Don't think that gives you leeway to act inappropriate. [Despite what he may tell Sebastian in the future about acting like a beast, right now, the etiquette still applies. Even here.] You're still Phantomhive's butler before anything else. [Even a demon.] Remember that.
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Of course. I would never forget it, young master.
[ Now he meets Ciel's eyes, and the fond smile grows, though there's a sharper, more dangerous edge, if only for a moment. ]
That is the right that was paid for, after all.
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which is also symbolic of how this shit works, don't ask me, but. Nothing happens.And Ciel's revenge for Sebastian's smartass comment comes even more quickly than he would anticipate, because Sebastian looks absolutely stricken, staring at his hand as if some kind of grave offense has occurred. Which, to him, it absolutely has. Luckily, he doesn't devolve into a stupid baby tantrum, but— ]
How? That is... That is not possible.
[ HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME, DEMON SEBASTIAN?? ]
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Whatever he plans to say is lost in his throat as Sebastian pulls away. Oh God. It looks like Sebastian is going to be wiggling magic fingers, and the sourness that was already in Ciel's stomach doubles. Hocus pocus in moderation, you piece of shit. Look upon the face of the displeased as you--
He stares. Nothing happened. Nothing is happening. He doesn't understand why Sebastian just stopped in the middle of doing something.] Sebastian, why are-- [The look on the demon's face isn't normal. Sebastian is only ever shocked in dire situations, when it's something legitimate. But what would Ciel be if not getting irritated when he's worried.]
What the hell is wrong with you?
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But it's alarming to him that anyone but the person he held a real contract with could bind him, so he tests the limits of his abilities briefly, and that hand is engulfed in shadow before it turns to the black, carpaced hand that Ciel really hadn't seen since this hand held his own in the cage, when Sebastian used his true form to slaughter the cult as ordered. But it's only their briefly, since as Sebastian brings that hand to his mouth thoughtfully, it's gone again with no more than sharp, black wisps curling in the air until the evaporate. Sebastian's eyes still shine a deeper, richer red, and though his face is calm, the displeasure is clear enough in his eyes. ]
...It seems I underestimated our employers' abilities.
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And then the hand is gone, and his anxiety spills away like a wave ebbing in the ocean.
Quickly, he sets his jaw, mouth a firm line. He doesn't look pleased by the revelation. Looking into Sebastian's eyes alone means that this is not something that is supposed to happen, not something expected in the slightest. How far does this limitation extend? What can Sebastian do and not do?
What does that mean for him, his master?] What does that mean? Are you saying that you don't have your powers?
Sebastian! [It's spoken smartly enough to get the demon to look at him in the eyes.] Did they take them? But the milk....
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No. They did not take them, since I would have been aware of that immediately.
[ Sebastian's jaw sets as well, since the implication otherwise is one he finds particularly upsetting, but at the very least... The only person it truly effects is Ciel. It's better than alternatives. ]
It is as if part of the terms of our contract was that I could not create certain things. [ There's another pause, because Sebastian definitely doesn't like admitting his weaknesses at all, no matter how few or frivolous they are. ]
They have bound me. At least for this.
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Sebastian isn't the only one pissed off. It's less that he gives a shit about Sebastian and more that he is angry the CDC--it had to be them--decided to mess with his demon which, in turn, messes with him. It's as if they snatched his toy out of his hand and cut its hair without permission, or changed its clothes, or popped its arm out.
Sebastian is not theirs to alter or restrain.] So exactly how useless are you? [It's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.] If you can't make certain things then just do it by hand like I said from the start or find another way! [He is trying to think up solutions on the fly, sue him.]
I don't retract my earlier order about the CDC. [Not that Sebastian needs to be reminded or ordered now especially.]
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butthurtstill upset about being bound further at all, but he says nothing. He breathes in sharply through his nose as if to calm himself, but just like that, the cool, easy smile returns. ]Since I did not notice, I would assume it means only my capacity to create is limited. I will have to test my limits further to give you a proper answer, young master.
[ Which is as close to a "I don't know" as Sebastian will get, but he's really not certain. So far as he can tell, all of his abilities are intact, so it's a matter of pushing against an invisible ceiling. ]
...How useless, that they would leave food. That is a matter I hardly excel at.
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But so long as he was reassured later that Sebastian could do everything else....] I don't want to hear that talk coming out of my butler. [His eyes narrow, then he lifts them to Sebastian's face. Phantomhives strive to excel at everything, as do their butlers. His gaze conveys this. There will be no "I hardly excel," and no "I can't do it," and no "I'm terrible at this."]
Finish dressing me. [He means the eye-patch mostly, as that's the only thing left. The alterations will have to come later when Sebastian is able to do them by hand. He's just going to have to get use to wearing this weird ass shit.] We are going to go through today trying to find out as much information as we can about the murders. Staying alive in this place is the most important goal.
If you can learn anything else about the CDC, so be it.
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Sebastian moves closer, murmuring a polite "excuse me" that's not actually necessary, but more politeness is always better with Ciel. The eyepatch is set in its proper place, and he ties the knot snugly, but comfortably, as always, then steps back with a bow for Ciel to appraise the work. ]
Then I will get to work. At the very least, my patrols put me in a good area for speaking with others. We can only hope that someone with useful information is not wary enough of the new recruits as to withhold it.
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